Betty Lucinda Patterson

Betty Patterson, 93, passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side on October 27, 2017. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Harvey (Don) and Mary Patterson (Paul Vance.) Formerly Betty Dye, she was born on December 13, 1923 in Russell, Kentucky. She had two sisters, Beryl (Alexander) and Willene (Woolsey.) Betty spent her early years in West Virginia and Ohio. Growing up in the Great Depression, one of her earliest memories was hearing the local bank had gone under. She asked her mother to take her to the bank, where she was disappointed to see the building still standing above ground. Betty got her first job in the 8th grade and continued that work ethic throughout her life. During World War II, she did her part to promote the image of Rosie the Riveter, going to work at Goodyear Tire in Akron, Ohio. Her responsibility was to spot weld sections of aircraft wings. After she accidentally spot welded her finger, she decided to try office work instead. Betty married Calvin Patterson (1921-1975) on May 16th, 1944. He served in World War II as a Radioman Second Class in the U.S. Navy, stationed in New York City. Betty moved to New York for six months and was there to celebrate VE Day. Living in New York City was one of her fondest memories. In 1953, having fallen in love with the beauty of Colorado, they moved to Colorado Springs, and then moved to Denver in 1955. They raised their two daughters, and Betty continued to work a variety of clerical and administrative jobs for the remainder of her career. Betty loved to travel, and her job with Sky Chefs provided travel benefits. Betty took full advantage, traveling multiple times with her family to Hawaii and Great Britain, in addition to Mexico, Canada, and many cities in the U.S. She retired from Sky Chefs in 1987, and then went to work for the City and County of Denver in the Office of Emergency Management in 1988. She finally retired for good in 2001, at age 78. Throughout her career, she was highly thought of by all of her employers, always going the extra mile. Betty stayed active in retirement, she loved to read and was a life-long learner and a great believer in education. A long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Aurora, she had many friendships there and enjoyed activities and church services until declining health prevented her from continuing to attend. In her last years she lived at Aspen Siesta Long Term Care. We will always be grateful to the wonderful staff for their amazing support, kindness and care. Like everyone else who knew Betty, they came to love her too. In addition to her daughters, Betty leaves behind extended family and friends. A service will be held in the spring at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Details will be published when available. Donations can be made to Rocky Mountain PBS,1089 Bannock, Denver CO 80204 or to Aspen Siesta 5353 E Yale Ave, Denver CO 80222.